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An ergonomic evaluation of snowmobiles.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from a Senior Industrial Hygienist at the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for assistance in conducting an ergonomic evaluation of snowmobiles used by National Park Service (NPS) personnel. The NPS personnel, mainly rangers and maintenance workers, reported musculoskeletal disorders of the hands, arms, shoulders, and back from riding the snowmobiles for up to 10 hours per day during the winter months. A NIOSH ergonomics specialist, a medical officer, and a neurobehavioral psychologist conducted an evaluation of the ergonomic aspects of snowmobiles, and health effects of NPS personnel who routinely use them. Twenty-six NPS personnel were evaluated during the study. Two NIOSH investigators evaluated the vibration and impact accelerations for NPS personnel who used snowmobiles during the course of their work.